A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
महाशङ्ख वटी - Mahāśaṅkha Vaṭī
Bhaisajya Ratnāvali (Agnimāndyādhikāra) & Bṛhat Nighaṇṭu Ratnākara
This formulation is referenced in multiple authoritative texts. Its primary source is the Agnimāndyādhikāra chapter of the Bhaisajya Ratnāvali. An alternative, more complex preparation is detailed in the Bṛhat Nighaṇṭu Ratnākara.
The composition varies between texts. The primary formulation from Bhaisajya Ratnāvali is a complex herbo-mineral compound.
Primary Composition (Bhaisajya Ratnāvali):
Pañcaka (पञ्चक) - Group of Five
हिंगु (Hiṅgu) - (Ferula assa-foetida)
शंख भस्म (Śaṅkha Bhasma) - (Calcined conch shell)
चिंचा क्षार (Cīñcā Kṣāra) - Alkaline ash (Tamarindus indica bark)
शुंठी (Śuṇṭhī) - (Zingiber officinale)
मरिच (Marica) - (Piper nigrum)
पिप्पली (Pippalī) - (Piper longum)
गंधक (Gandhaka) (वाली) - Purified Sulphur (Sulphur)
पारद (Pārada) (ईश्वर) - Purified Mercury (Mercury)
वत्सनाभ (Vatsanābha) (अमृत) - Purified (Aconitum ferox)
Bhāvana Dravyas (भावण द्रव्य) - Triturating Liquids
Juice of
चित्रक (Citraka) - (Plumbago zeylanica)
अपामार्ग (Apāmārga) - (Achyranthes aspera)
अम्ल वर्ग (Amla Varga) - Sour group (e.g., Emblica officinalis)
निंबू (Nimbu) - (Citrus limon)
This is a highly complex formulation including multiple Kṣāras (alkaline ashes), minerals, and herbs:
स्नुही (Snuhī) (Euphorbia neriifolia)
अर्क (Arka) (Calotropis procera)
चिञ्चा (Cīñcā) (Tamarindus indica)
अपामार्ग (Apāmārga) (Achyranthes aspera)
कदली (Kadalī) (Musa paradisiaca)
तिल (Tila) (Sesamum indicum)
पलाश (Palāśa) (Butea monosperma)
पञ्च लवण (Pañca Lavana) (The five salts)
सौवर्चल लवण (Sauvarcala Lavana) (Black Salt)
यवक्षार (Yavakṣāra) (Alkaline ash from Hordeum vulgare)
जङ्गला (Jaṅgāla) (Possible reference to a specific mineral or herb)
शङ्ख भस्म (Śaṅkha Bhasma) (Calcined conch shell)
त्रिकटु (Trikatu) (The three pungents: शुण्ठी - Śuṇṭhī, मरिच - Marica, पिप्पली - Pippalī)
हिङ्गु (Hiṅgu) (Ferula assa-foetida)
वचा (Vacā) (Acorus calamus)
चित्रक (Citraka) (Plumbago zeylanica)
पारद (Pārada) (Purified Mercury)
गन्धक (Gandhaka) (Purified Sulphur)
वत्सनाभ (Vatsanābha) (Purified Aconitum ferox)
मनःशिला (Manaḥśilā) (Purified Realgar - Arsenic disulphide)
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit):
Arśas: Hemorrhoids (piles).
Grahṇī: A complex disorder involving the small intestine, characterized by malabsorption syndrome and alternating diarrhea/constipation.
Agnimāndya: Low digestive fire.
Ajīrṇa: Indigestion.
Viṣūcikā: Cholera or severe gastroenteritis.
Śūla: Pain, specifically Paripāma Śūla (griping pain) and Udara Śūla (abdominal pain).
Ādhmāna: Bloating and distension.
Charddi: Vomiting.
Jwara: Fever.
Arocaka: Anorexia.
Pramēha: Urinary disorders, including diabetes.
Bhasmaka: Pathological, burning hunger.
Pravāhikā: Dysentery.
Atisāra: Diarrhea.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation):
Gastrointestinal System: Primary use for severe functional dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease, gastroenteritis, enteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hemorrhoids, and hyperacidity.
Metabolic System: May be used as an adjuvant in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Prameha) and related metabolic disorders.
Infectious Diseases: Historically used in the management of cholera and severe dysentery.
Dosha Karma (Action on Humors): Tridoṣa Śamana (pacifies Vāta, Pitta, and Kapha), with a specific emphasis on Kapha Hara (eliminating Kapha).
Dhātu Karma (Action on Tissues): Its primary action is on the Rasā (plasma) and Māṃsa (muscle) dhātus, helping to normalize digestive tissue function and alleviate pain.
Agni Karma (Action on Digestive Fire): Dīpana (kindles the digestive fire) and Pācana (digests toxins or āma).
Srotas Karma (Action on Body Channels): Its sharp and penetrating properties ensure Srotōśōdhana (cleansing of channels), particularly the Anna Vaha Srotas (GI tract) and Prasava Vaha Srotas (reproductive tract, implied by its name).
Roga Karma (Action on Specific Diseases): Udara Śūlahara (alleviates abdominal pain).
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Grāhī (absorbent, useful in diarrhea); alleviates pain, bloating, and vomiting.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Predominantly Kṣāra (Alkaline), Lavaṇa (Salty), Katu (Pungent), Amla (Sour), Tikta (Bitter), Kaṣāya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Rūkṣa (Dry), Tīkṣṇa (Sharp, Penetrating), Sūkṣma (Subtle)
Vīrya (Potency) Uṣṇa (Hot) [Inferred from ingredients and actions]
Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) Katu (Pungent) [Inferred from ingredients]
Modern Correlate Actions: This formulation demonstrates a powerful combination of antacid, carminative, digestive stimulant, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihelminthic activities. Its alkaline nature suggests a direct neutralizing effect on gastric acid.
This specialized, potent herbo-mineral formulation is manufactured by companies specializing in classical Rasashāstra preparations, including:
Kashmir Herbal Remedies (under the series: Ayurvedic Formulary of India)
SKM Siddha and Ayurveda (under the series: Bhaisajya Ratnāvali)
Ayursiddha Pharmaceuticals (under the series: Bṛhat Nighaṇṭu Ratnākara)
Imis Pharmaceuticals
Important Note: The recommended Anupāna (vehicle for administration) is after food with Ajamōdā Kaṣāya (a decoction of Trachyspermum roxburghianum), Takra (buttermilk), or Madhu (honey). Contraindication: It is generally contraindicated in Kēvala Pittaja (pure Pitta) and Raktaja (blood-related, inflammatory) conditions due to its hot, sharp, and penetrating properties.